Wizz

Wizz Air has announced that it’s received approval to operate flights between the UK and USA with its first flights set to take off in the summer in time for the World Cup

Budget airline Wizz Air has confirmed it now has “regulatory approval” to operate flights to the United States. The airline, who currently offer routes from the UK to destinations such as Poland, Turkey, Italy, and Romania, will offer the flights for football fans visiting the USA for the 2026 World Cup.

The airline confirmed it will now offer tailored charter flights to groups from teams to supporters and tour operators who are organising group travel to the USA. It confirmed that charter enquiries for summer travel are now open.

However, the airline also clarified that it has “no intention or plans to launch regular commercial flights to the US” but that “the new authorization represents a significant achievement and reflects months of preparation, regulatory coordination, and operational planning.”

So, while individuals won’t be able to book onto scheduled services, those who are travelling with large groups, organising a tour, or travellers looking for a private travel experience will be able to charter a transatlantic flight with Wizz Air.

Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, said in a statement: “This is a proud and exciting day for everyone at our airline,” said . “Receiving approval to operate between the UK and the United States is a huge milestone for our company. It opens the door to incredible opportunities, particularly for European football teams and supporters travelling across the Atlantic this summer.

“We are ready to deliver exceptional charter experiences and bring fans closer to the action in the United States.”

England’s first fixture is set for June 17 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, meaning many football fans are likely to descend on the Texas city to watch the big game. Its other group games are England vs Ghana, set for June 23 in Boston, and Panama vs England on June 27 in New York.

Scotland’s World Cup fixtures are set for June 14 when they take on Haiti in Boston, followed by another match in the city against Morocco on June 19. The team will then head to Miami for Scotland vs Brazil on June 24.

Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to secure their places in the World Cup as both teams are still in the qualifying stages. In addition to fixtures across the USA, some matches will also be held in Canada and Mexico who are joint hosts.

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However, seeing the matches in person is likely to be an expensive undertaking. Tickets for group stage games range from $100 to $575 (about £75 to £431), although FIFA has announced a very limited number of £45 tickets to each game. A seat at the July 19 final, which will take place in New Jersey, will be especially costly. Tickets bought at face value range from $2,030 to $6,370, about £1,500 to £4,800, with resellers no doubt charging even more.

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Amid the escalating Middle East conflict, Wizz Air has issued an update and confirmed that it has extended its cancellation period for four of its destinations

Wizz Air has issued a major update for four destinations and has extended its flight cancellations.

The conflict in the Middle East has caused significant travel disruptions for airlines, with thousands of flights cancelled as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns against travel to parts of the region. Tensions remain high following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began over the weekend, with further attacks being carried out.

As the conflict escalates, Wizz Air has confirmed that it is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman up to and including Sunday, 15 March. They had originally planned to cancel these flights until 7 March, but as the conflict shows no signs of slowing, they have extended the cancellation period.

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A Wizz Air spokesperson confirmed: “Wizz Air confirms that, following the recent escalation of the security situation in Iran, the airline is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman up to and including 15 March, pending structural schedule changes reflecting reduced demand. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will resume as planned from 8 March inclusive.

“The airline is closely monitoring developments and remains in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, security authorities, and relevant governmental bodies. Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves.

“The safety and security of our passengers, crew and aircraft remain Wizz Air’s highest priority. We acknowledge the disruption this may cause and appreciate the understanding of our customers. Passengers with affected bookings will be contacted directly with information regarding their options.”

The extension comes just a few days after Wizz Air first announced that it had suspended all flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman. Wizz Air joins other major airlines that have cancelled or amended hundreds of flights to parts of the Middle East amid the chaos.

Wizz Air, which has been working hard to ensure passenger safety, confirmed that flights to and from Saudi Arabia will recommence as planned from 8 March. In a bid to support passengers who need to travel to or from Israel, Wizz Air is planning to add flights to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) from various European airports.

If approved, the extra flights, which will provide a connection between Israel and Europe, will begin on Friday, 6 March. They will be as follows:

• Budapest (BUD): from 3 to 10 weekly flights
• Rome Fiumicino (FCO): from 11 to 18 weekly flights
• London Luton (LTN): from 4 to 8 weekly flights
• Milan Malpensa (MXP): from 6 to 11 weekly flights
• Sofia (SOF): from 0 to 3 weekly flights

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